Overview
Abutilon megapotamicum is a bushy bedding in the genus Abutilon, part of the Malvaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Abutilon megapotamicum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include bedding, conservatory greenhouse and shrubs. It is native to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
About
Abutilon megapotamicum or Callianthe megapotamica (trailing abutilon) is a species of Abutilon native to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. It is a shrub growing to 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) tall, with leaves 5–8 centimetres (2.0–3.1 in) long, ovate to shallowly three-lobed. The flowers are orange-yellow with a red base, with five petals about 4 centimetres (1.6 in) long. It is a popular ornamental plant in subtropical gardens or temperate gardens that experience mild winters. It grows to around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Abutilon megapotamicum
About the genus
Abutilon is a large genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. General common names include Indian mallow and velvetleaf; ornamental varieties may be known as room maple, parlor maple, or flowering maple.
Wikipedia contributors, "Abutilon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Abutilon
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Abutilon
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Abutilon megapotamicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
- Native to
- Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Abutilon megapotamicum
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun with loam or sand soil. Tolerates acid and neutral soils. Prefers moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for sheltered locations with south-facing or east-facing aspects.
- Propagation
- Softwood, greenwood, semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse whitefly, Glasshouse red spider mite, Mealybugs, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Virus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Abutilon megapotamicum?
Grow in full sun with loam or sand soil. Tolerates acid and neutral soils. Prefers moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for sheltered locations with south-facing or east-facing aspects.
Where is the best place to plant Abutilon megapotamicum?
Abutilon megapotamicum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Abutilon megapotamicum need?
Abutilon megapotamicum grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Abutilon megapotamicum grow?
Abutilon megapotamicum reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Abutilon megapotamicum hardy in the UK?
Abutilon megapotamicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Abutilon megapotamicum?
Softwood, greenwood, semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings in autumn.